Image Courtesy: Twitter/England
Premier League midfielder Raheem Sterling scored a winner assisted by Kalvin Phillips for England in their 1-0 Euro 2020 opener victory over Croatia at minute 57′. It was his first goal for the country at a major tournament while England’s first European Championship opening victory in nine attempts winning three points.
Manchester City winger, Sterling’s goal completed a 17-pass move, it’s the most passes before an England goal at the Euros since Steven Gerrard scored following a 19-pass move in 2014 vs Switzerland.
17 – Raheem Sterling's goal for @England completed a 17-pass move, the most passes before an England goal at the EUROs since Steven Gerrard scored following a 19-pass move against Switzerland in 2004. Link-up. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/icqtyrvw9V
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2021
He is awarded as Star of the Match for his immense performance throughout the game.
“I always said that if I am playing at Wembley for my country at a major tournament, I will score. It’s my back garden.” – Sterling
Raheem Sterling: "I've always said that if I'm playing at Wembley for my country at a major tournament I'm scoring. It's my back garden." đ pic.twitter.com/ZSyYYDFUUP
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 13, 2021
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips with a MOTM performance in the midfield vs Croatia with 100% long ball accuracy (3(, 100% tackle success (1), 100% shot accuracy (1), 94% pass accuracy (31), 7 recoveries, 2 successful dribbles, 2 chances created, 1 assist and with a clean sheet.
“Kalvin is a player who is so understated. He had a fantastic start to his international career. I think he was immense throughout the game. They all were. I am so pleased for Raheem to get the goal. He was dangerous all day, right from the start”, said England manager, Gareth Southgate.
Both the teams will be back next in action on June 18. England will face Scotland at Wembley while Croatia to face the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.